HARMAN’s dbx Debuts Its AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression™ Processor

Jun23

Written by:6/23/2014 11:08 AM

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – HARMAN’s dbx today announced the introduction of its AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor, designed to completely eliminate feedback from a PA system. The AFS2 is ideal for bands, DJs, live sound and fixed installation applications and offers a host of upgraded features including a Wizard auto-setup function, a completely re-designed Advanced Feedback Suppression module, and a large LCD display.

Successor to the popular AFS224, the AFS2 provides state-of-the-art feedback elimination, yet is simple to use, thanks to its one-button Wizard function that automates key setup parameters and walks the user through the configuration process. The AFS2 offers a full LCD display and 24 LED meters per channel for setup and monitoring. The AFS2 can be added to a system in minutes, thanks to its easy rear-panel connectivity and its optimized front panel .

The AFS2’s all-new DSP module takes dbx Advanced Feedback Suppression (AFS™) to an entirely new level. This new module provides for faster and more focused filter sets in both fixed and live mode. While 10- and 12-filter feedback-elimination processors are commonplace, the dedicated processor in the AFS2 provides up to 24 programmable filters per channel with filter Qs up to 1/80 of an octave. This level of extreme precision, previously available only in high-end processors, enables the AFS2 to zero in on the exact frequencies needed to attenuate feedback. The AFS2 offers application-specific filter types including Speech and Music Low, Medium and High.

The AFS2 offers selectable Live and Fixed (installed sound) filter modes, selectable filter lift times, live filter lift and more, all of which are available via the intuitive front panel user interface. The AFS2 can be used in either stereo or dual independent channel mode. It includes XLR and TRS inputs and outputs and a USB jack to enable firmware updates when they become available.
“Getting rid of feedback can be one of the most difficult and insidious things to deal with when setting up a PA system, especially for bands and performers who have to carry their own PA and may be musicians first and sound engineers second,” said Jason Kunz, Market Manager, Portable PA and Recording & Broadcast at HARMAN Signal Processing. “The AFS2 is simple to use, yet powerful and flexible enough for elaborate large-scale live sound systems and fixed installations.”

The dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor will be available in July 2014 at a suggested retail price of $499.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 15,200 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.1 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2014.